Of course, choosing the best removal company for your move is key to a successful relocation, no matter where you’re going. We’ve taken a look beyond the physical move, and here are our top 9 tips for a successful international relocation.

Do your research and avoid costly commitments

Whether you’re moving on your own, to join your family, or are being relocated by your employer, to avoid expensive mistakes you need to research the area you’ll soon be calling home. If you don’t have a relocation agent, do as much research as possible online and by talking to people already living in the city or area you plan on moving to, preferably other expats.

Try and get as much information you can about the local areas you’re considering, and if possible visit the area before you move.

If you’ve got children, don’t forget to investigate schools, play groups and access to other activities that are important for a family.

Utilise expat forums and communities online as much as possible, you’ll get a good flavour of life in your new country and priceless advice – and perhaps make some friends before you even arrive. Keep in mind that expat forums are also places where people feel safe to talk about their homesickness, or what they don’t like about their new home, so don’t be detracted by negative comments or sentiments you might read without probing them first.

Even after your research, once you’ve moved in, you might find the area or home you’ve chosen doesn’t work for you – and if you’ve already purchased a home, you could be unhappily stuck with a decision you made without knowing all the facts. If you’ve rented somewhere to live on a short-term basis, you’re in a better position to move into a home that suits your needs better.

Make sure your visas and residence permits are in order

No matter how straightforward your situation is, unless you’re a citizen of the country you’re moving to, you’ll probably need to arrange for visas, work permits and residence permits. Without these, you won’t be able to open a bank account, register your children for school, etc.

Visa and permit requirements and processing vary with every country. Document requirements may take some time to fill, especially if you need to present original documents with your application. Processing times also vary considerably. Be sure to understand well in advice what you’ll need to provide, and how long the processing will take.

You’ll need to have your permits and visas arranged before your belongings can be transported to your new country, as they’re required for customs clearance into your new country.

Prepare well in advance for moving your pets

Perhaps even before you arrange your own visa and permits, you should be starting on the paperwork and any vaccinations required for your pets in your new country. If you’re required to place your pet into quarantine, be sure to know your options, investigate the quarantine options, and try to talk to people who’ve brought their pets into the country. If you’re moving overseas, you may want to consider a professional pet transport company to smooth the path for the furry members of your family.

Keep in mind that in some locations, finding a pet-friendly rental home or apartment may be difficult. Try and make as many connections via friends or family already there, expat forums and communities and/or your employer to help you find the right home for you and your pet.

Ask lots of questions, and find out as much information as possible to ensure your pet’s transition is as smooth as can be.

Think about health care

Find out what the requirements are for insurance in your new country. Even if there are no requirements, it is never a good idea to be without health insurance, regardless of your age.

Don’t forget to obtain records from your doctor about any conditions you may have or medications you’re taking. It will make it easier for your new doctor to treat you if you’ve brought your medical records with you.

Taxes

Be sure to check on your tax obligations abroad, and inform the authorities of your departure.
source: bradshawinternational.com

Whether is within Chicago, two states away or on the other end of the world. H2H Movers will make sure your belongings are securely packed, loaded, transported and unloaded to your final destination.